Shonn's Blog

Pursuing God's Passion

2012-01-01T22:35:00.000-08:00

God's greatest passion is to relate to people. He did all He could to make this relationship with Him possilbe for all of mankind. The bible clearly teaches that God sent His one and only Son to earth to live the life we could not live, die the brutal death we deserved, and raised Jesus from the dead to give us the life we could not earn. He paved the way that we (sinful man) could have a relationship with Him!

In John chapter 4 Jesus models that we too are to take this same approach to help others understand they too can relate personally to God. The bible declares in John 4:4 that Jesus broke through a few barriers to introduce the possibility of a relationship with God to a wayward woman many had counted as unworthy to relate to anyone much less to relate to God.

This single verse demonstrates for those who love the Lord the great lengths we should go to to pursue God's passion for reaching people. The fact that Jesus, being a Jew, traveled through Samaria broke the traditional travel patterns of the Jews of His day. Jews would do everything within their power to avoid contact with Samaritans. They would typically add a couple of days to their journey when traveling from the South to Galilea by crossing the Jordan River simply to avoid traveling through Samaria. However, according to the Scripture, Jesus "had to go through Samaria." He desired to reach the woman at the well, the one society had written off as a prostitute unworthy of relating to people much less to God. The fact that Jesus spoke to her indicates that we should be willing to cross barriers that are typically erected because of culture, class, and/or creed to communicate God's love.

We must be willing to do anything that is not illegal, unethical, or immoral to pursue God's passion of reaching people with the gospel of the Lord Jesus! This is our greatest privilege and responsibility as fully devoted followers of Christ. If you desire to better equip yourself to fulfill this pursuit of reaching people please go to www.team-impact.com and order a copy of our new book, Hold the Rope. It will be helpful in inspiring and equipping you to be pursue God's passion for reaching people for Christ!

Blessings, Shonn

Heaven is laughing ...

2011-04-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

All of heaven laughs at those who say, "I can't!" Please understand the words I can't should not exist in the vocabulary of those who know God personally through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible clearly teaches, "With man, that is impossible. But with God, all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26) There is nothing too big for God! God is in the business of conquering the unconquerable, changing the unchangeable, and doing the impossible.

Often times people fall short because they quit too early. Do not be this person. If your vision is big enough and your purpose is born of God, you can be sure He will give you what you need for it to come to pass. He is still in the business of making possible that which seems impossible. As a contemporary Christian song says, "He will make a way when there seems to be no way."

What mountain are you attempting to climb: the restoration of a marriage, the ridding of resentment you've been harboring for years, the courage to apply for a job in a dead market, the faith to share Christ with your friend or the discipline to overcome the addiction that has controlled you for years.

Whatever the mountain, believe that if it is Kingdom minded God will lift you over it if you will surrender and follow Him.

Blessings to you on your journey!

Shonn

No other name ...

2011-03-02T05:02:00.000-08:00

I Just had the privilege of preaching all over the southern most parts of South Africa for the last three weeks. It is a very beautiful country with incredibly warm and friendly people. However, I was reminded in my South African journey how pluralistic the world's view is toward eternal things. While in SA, I spoke in an entirely populated Muslim school, ran into several Hindu's, observed a few Mormon's hard at work, ran into a few practicing Jews who are still waiting on the arrival of Messiah for the first time and spoke to many who were very religious but had no idea how to genuinely make peace with God and assure them a place in Heaven for all of eternity.

While reading this morning I was reminded, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to man for which we are saved." Acts 4:12 Jesus is the answer. Jesus is the way to find peace for our hearts. He promises peace on the inside. A peace which enables us grow through the challenges we face in life. He is the only One who can give us power for daily living. His power is available to those who surrender to Him. His power enables us to turn our obstacles into opportunities. He offers His presence to those who receive Him. He promises never to abandon us. And most of all, He gives us the promise of eternal life.

Do you know His peace?
Do you experience His power daily?
Do you walk with His presence?

Most importantly, Do you know His promise of eternal life?

If not, contact my friends at www.team-impact .com. We would love to help you discover how to begin a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Blessings,
Shonn

Amazed ...

2011-02-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

I stand amazed at the reality that God loves us in spite of ourselves. He is better to us than we deserve. His grace is greater than all of our sin and His mercy is so undeserving. Think of it for a moment. God has created all that is seen and all that is unseen yet He chooses to love us and desires to fellowship with us. Above all of His creation, He has placed a desire to relate to you and me. And He took care of all that was necessary to make this relationship possible through faith in Christ. Wow! Amazing!! God is God and we are not; yet, He gives us the privilege to become children of God.

He not only chooses to love us. He also chooses to use us to accomplish His great plan of redemption on planet earth. What a privilege it is to serve Him. Yes, we have the opportunity to serve the Most High God, the One True God.

Serving God is more than fulfilling. It is unbelievably rewarding. His power and His presence are available to help us truly make a difference in our world. With His help we can change lives that change the world. There is no greater adventure outside of our home than to do our part in service to Him in and through our local church.

Plug into Him daily through prayer and the reading of His word and then be faithful to share with others what He is doing in your life.

Blessings,
Shonn

Dream Big

2011-02-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

I love reading. I especially love reading books and/or articles that challenge me to pursue God's best for my life. Years ago, I read a quote from Helen Keler that has inspired me on several occasions to dream big. She once said, "What is worse than being born blind, is to have been born with sight but having no vision for your life." This young lady, in spite of her physical disabilities, being both deaf and blind, pursued her dreams of becoming a teacher and became one of the most remembered educators of all times. She turned what many would view as obstacles to her personal success into opportunities for her to reach greatness and leave her impact on the world. If we are to pursue greatness, we too must dream big. And we must pursue our dreams with the tenacity of a bull dog turning the stumbling blocks of life into stepping stones for our success.

The Bible says in Proverbs, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." People without big dreams just wander through life aimlessly accomplishing nothing great in their lives and leaving no significant mark on the world around them. As the old saying goes, "If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time." However, vision will help bring focus or purpose to one's life. When God gives us a picture of what the future can be with His help we will live a more purpose driven life.

Dreaming big is vital to our personal success and fulfilling our God given potential. We must first see ourselves successful with God's help then we can pursue our big dream. Vision has the power to turn the impossible into possible. I am preparing for a mission to South Africa and have been reminded of the story of Nelson Mandela. In short, this incredible visionary leader, saw in his mind and believed in his heart a world very different than the one he lived in and his belief in this new kind of world led to the freedom and equality of all South Africans. Nelson Mandela's fight for the freedom and equality of all South Africans took him on a journey many were unwilling to travel. In short, because of this one man's big dream, his visionary leadership tour took him from being a prisoner in a racially hostile country to becoming the President of this same but now democratic society. Vision is powerful!

As a friend of mine once said, "You do not have to be great to start but you do have to start to become great." Start today! Start dreaming about what your future can be with God's help. Once you see what your future can be, write it down. Write it down and post it all over your home. After writing it down, develop an action plan. The pray. Pray for God to grow you and use you along this journey to accomplish more than you can even think or imagine. And be careful to remember along this journey to bring others along with you. While the Lone Ranger made a great television series, life was not meant to be done alone. As a matter of fact, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

Blessings,
Shonn

GROWTH: The Choice is Yours!

2010-06-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

Many leaders have rightly declared, "Change is inevitable but growth is optional." Change happens around us on a consistent basis: change in the world, our country, out city, our town, our church, our home and even in us. Much of this change happens without our contribution. It just happens! However, growth is intentional. If we are going to grow to maximize our potential in this ever ever changing journey we call life it must be intentional. We need to develop a plan. John Maxwell once wrote, "If we are failing to plan, we are planning to fail." Life is too short and too precious to miss becoming the person we were created to be. We must start our personal growth journey today.

You might be thinking, "Developing a plan to grow sounds great. I would love to become all I was created to become. But, you do not know me or the mess I have made of my life. You do not understand my circumstances or my life's situation." You are right in your thinking. I have no idea where you are in this journey we call life. However, I do know, you do not have to be great to start but you do have to start to become great. If you are ready to experience personal growth on a whole new level positioning yourself to become the person you were created to be then the time to start is now!

In the following outline, I am going to share with you my personal growth plan. My prayer is you will use it or adapt it to make it your own.

G.R.O.W. will serve as the outline for the peronal growth plan:

1. Get up to God daily. Read Mark 1:35, Joshua 1:5 and Psalm 5:1-5
If we are to grow and become the person we were created to become we must spend time with God. There is no substitute for this step. We must discipline ourselves daily to spend time with the One who can truly change us from the inside out. Remember, God did not make us because He needed us. He made us because He desired fellowship with us. This special relationship was made possible through faith in Jesus and His finished work at the cross. If we want to grow in this relationship we must spend daily time with God in prayer and through the study of His Word-the Bible.

2. Read and listen to positive material. Read Philippians 4:8
The apostle Paul exhorted the Church in Philippi and the Scripture exhorts us to think on things that are positive. Compelling research reveals the average American reads less than one book a year. The same research reveals, considering an average work week to be 40hrs, the average American spends 3 to 6 months in his car driving to and from places. Understand the above exhortation in light of the modern research, we would all do well to read and listen to positive material daily. We live in a media driven world and are constantly being bombarded with messages from many competing voices. We must take heed of the command to the Roman Church in Romans 12:1-2 and renew our minds daily with positive material. Let me encourage you to read in addition to your devotional time with the Lord at least 30 minutes a day in an area that interests you and in an area that will help you develop the God given gifts you possess. Let me also encourage you to add to your listening pleasure some Christian music and some motivational talks as you drive in your automobile from place to place.

3. Outreach is a must. Read Matthew 4:19, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 2:9-10, and Matthew 28:18-20
God saved us in Christ Jesus. Salvation is a gift. It cannot be earned. However, God did not save us to hoard this great message of redemtion. No, He has gifted us and called us to share it with as many people as possible in our circle of influence and through our local church. Do what you can with God's help on a daily basis to represent Christ well to the world around you and to share God's love in real and practical ways. As God opens the door, share with your lips your testimony of how God has changed your life and how he can change the lives of those you share with.
Plug into the mission of your local church. Give freely of your time, energy and resources to help reach people!

4. Wellness. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19
Take care of your body, it is the temple of God! Statisticians tell us while America is one of the richest countries on planet earth it is among the most unhealthy. Below are a few tips to taking care of the temple.
A. Let me encourage you to workout regularly. To build and maintain a healthy body your workouts should include both cardiovascular and weight resistant training. However, you may want to consult a physician and/or a personal trainer before beginning a workout routine.
B. Let me encourage you to eat a well balanced food program. I do not like to use the word diet because it usually is something one does for a short while to lose weight. Often diets are unhealthy and people quickly revert back to old habits after reaching a certain goal. My recommendation is to plan to eat a well balanced food program for life. A certified nutritionist can help you develop a great strategy for your body.
C. If wellness is truly your goal, let me also encourage you to supplement correctly. The Journal of American Medical Association issued a statement in 2002 encouraging all "Adults should supplement with vitamins and minerals." It is a known fact our foods have less and less vitamins and minerals each year. Between the hormones that have been injected in the meats we eat, the overuse of our soil, and the various chemicals uses to make our fruits and vegetables market ready, our foods, even when we eat from a balanced food program, simply do not provide us with the vitamins, minerals and anitoxidants we need to gain and maintain optimal health. Let me encourage you to consult a certified nutrionist to help you discern which supplements will be most beneficial to you and your wellness goals. However, based on compelling research let me encourage you to use natural liquid supplements whenever possible. The rate of absorption is far greater with liquids and natural is always the best choice.

Blessings,
Shonn

The Substitute ...

2010-05-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

Daily, because of my humanity, I am reminded of my imperfections. Because of this, the other day I was thanking God for Jesus, who is my Substitute. Yes, Jesus is my Substitute. He is the Substitutionary Atonement for my sins and the sins of the world. Romans 3 clearly teaches we are all sinners and Romans 6 teaches because of our sin we deserve death. The Good News is God doesn't want us to suffer this death. Instead He desires a relationship with us. Romans 5 and 6 remind us that God intervened and provided a Substitionary Atonement for the sins of those who would believe. Jesus died in our place. 2 Corinthians 5:21 clearly states that Jesus took upon Himself what we rightly deserve. He has made atonement for our sins. He is our Substitute.

God is better to us than we deserve. Thankfully He does not give us what we do deserve. There is only one way for us to pay the price of sin on our own. We must be punished and placed in hell for all eternity. However, God provided another way for our sin to be paid for by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. Yes, Jesus came to earth to pay for the price of our sins. Because He did this for us, we now have the opportunity to have our sins forgiven, relate to God personally and to spend all of eternity with Him in a real place called Heaven.

To receive this great gift you must place your faith in Jesus Christ: His sinless life, sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection. You cannot save yourself. Like me, you need a substitute to take your place. The death of Jesus Christ is the substitutionary atonement.

Blessings,
Shonn

February Update

2010-03-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

February was another exciting time for our family. We traveled with Team Impact to Dublin, Georgia and Hartsville, South Carolina and witnessed over 250 decisions for the Lord Jesus Christ while sharing the gospel in both of these cities. We also had a couple of weeks to spend at home and were able to reconnect with some old friends. Shonn led a life group Bible study on evangelism at the Bunting's home.

Shonn turned 40! We had a fun time celebrating his birthday with some friends at a Chinese steakhouse. It was a fun night. Brelin and Baylee made an awesome birthday rap video.

The March calendar is full and we are expecting big things!

Blessings,
Shonn and the Keels' Fam

January Update ...

2010-02-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Hey Gang,
I hope you are off to a great start in 2010. January has proved to be an exciting and fruitful month for our family and in our ministry. Below are some of the highlights that took place.

We traveled with Team Impact to Natchez, Ms, Lutz, Fl and Baton Rouge, La. We were able to speak to over 40,000 people in 40 school assemblies, 9 night events, 1 mall and we witnessed over 600 decisions for Christ. As always our travels were both entertaining and enlightening. We see so much on the road and enjoy being together. And we never tire seeing God work in the hearts of those who once were far from Him.

January also provided me with the opportunity to preach in our home church, Barefoot Church while Pastor Clay and his family enjoyed a weekend off. It was an exciting time! I shared from Mark chapter 2 and encouraged everyone to hold the rope and get their friends close to Jesus.

The February schedule looks full. I will keep you posted. Please continue to pray for us as we will continue to pray for you.

God loves you and so do we,
Shonn and the Fam

2M2N

2009-11-17T17:39:00.001-08:00

Going the extra mile will help those we serve and give us greater fulfillment in life. The second mile is certainly on the road less traveled but it must become second nature if we want to maximize our lives. Making the second mile second nature is not easy but it is right. If we make a little intentional effort consistently we can make the journey. The trip is well worth it and you can make it. You have been blessed with the tools necessary to make the journey.

Too many today settle for average and do enough just to get by. They just skate by and expect wonder why things really never get any better for them. Rember, insanity is doing the same things and expecting different results. If you want to experience life to the fullest dig in and make the sacrifices necessary to go the extra mile. Below are a few steps to help you along the journey:

1. Be friendly. Mark Sanborn, the author of The Fred Factor, teaches in his book that customers are more concerned with their relationship with their salesperson than they are with the product itself. This is true not just in sales but also in life. We need to be more interested than interesting. We must listen more than we talk. We will do well to pay attention to those we relate to and to serve them with our whole heart. By doing this we add value to others and open up doors for us all to reach a greater sense of fulfillment in life.

More steps are included in December's edition of Maximize your Life. Email me at shonn@shonnkeels.com to receive a copy.

Blessings,
Shonn

September and October Updates:

2009-11-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hey Gang,
In September and October we led Team Impact events in Mount Vernon, Arkansas, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Spokane, Washington, Montvale, New Jersey, Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania and North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Over these two months we witnessed well over 700 decisions for Christ and had the opportunity to meet some incredible people. God is doing a great work around the world. It is exciting to be a part of what He is doing!

We also had the opportunity to spend a few days in New York City for Baylee's 12th birthday. We did the bus tour, ate out several times and went shopping more times than I can count. My girls professional shoppers (this includes Bonnie)! While taking in the sites we had an opportunity to visit Ground Zero. It was a humbling experience to stand in the place where so many lives were taken on that sad day. Standing there I was reminded how we never know what a day holds and how important it is that we know the One who holds the day. It reminded me of why we do what we do!

We will be home for much of the holidays with only a few small trips planned. However, the girls will be busy with school, Shonn will be busy with book number 2 and book number 3 and Bonnie will be busy keeping us all in order.

Thanks for your love and support. We hope to see you soon!

Maximize your Life,
Shonn and the Family

Living the Dream ...

2009-10-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang,
Our family just finished a great crusade with Team Impact in Mt Vernon, Arkansas. We witnessed 125 decisions for Christ. While there, we ate at Stoby's, one of Kris Allen's (the American Idol) favorite restuarants in Conway, Ar. Locals tell us Stoby's has guaranteed Kris a lifetime of free cheese dip. We also found out the Stoby's cheese dip is available at Wal-Mart in 6 states. How cool is this!?!

We left Arkansas this morning and drove almost 10 hours today to Kentucky. We are on our way to another great TI event in Mt Pleasant, PA.

The girls are faithful at getting their school work done daily. Shonn is busy working on November's Maximize Your Life audio journal talk on Developing a Winning Attitude with every spare moment. Bonnie is busy thinking of reasons to take the girls shopping in each city we visit. All in all we are "Living the Dream." God is better to us than we deserve.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support,
The Keels

August Update ...

2009-09-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang,
August was a busy and exciting month. Shonn spent most of it in the country of South Africa with Team Impact. While there the team spoke to almost 50,000 people and saw right at 6,000 of them make decisions to follow Christ. It was an incredible experience packed with fellowship, fun and great fruit.

Bonnie and the girls enjoyed a little girl time but are ready to get back on the road.

Shonn's book is finally finished and available on the major online book distributing companies. We have also launched a new monthly audio leadership and personal development jounal entitled Maximize Your Leadership.

The Fall is upon us and ministry is picking up. Please continue to pray for us in our travels.

Blessings,
The Keels Family

Consider Your Words ...

2009-08-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

How to win friends and influence people is one of the best selling books of all times. Zig Ziglar is a master at motivating people. One of his key principles deals with encouraging others. John Maxwell, the leadership guru, makes it a practice to build a person up within the first few moments of meeting with him.

How well would we do if our goal was to express encouragement in conversation rather than to impress others with our conversation? What if we concentrated on building others up more rather than building up ourselves when we speak? What if our primary goal in communication was to listen rather than talk? How much more effective would we be in our businesses, in our relationships and in our lives? What is we replaced sarcasm with service? What if we really took seriously the way we communicate with others?

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Ephesus, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs."

Blessings to you and all you influence,
Shonn

July Update

2009-08-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

July has been an exciting month. Although our family has taken a break from traveling this summer, Shonn has been privileged to share the gospel with Team Impact in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and all over South Africa. In the month of July, we witnessed over 2,400 decisions for Christ.

We have spent a lot of time riding our bikes in the neighborhood in the evenings as the weather in Myrtle Beach has been great. We purchased a new home gym for Bonnie and the girls. Our family is working hard at getting in shape. Believe it or not, Shonn has been doing his cardio regularly! Mostly our summer has been spent together. And there is nothing we enjoy more than just being together as a family.

Shonn has completed all revisions of his new book, Maximize Your Leadership and it has been sent to the printer. It is scheduled to be available on both http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ as early as August 20th. He has also started working with Jeff Neal on an evangelism book entitled, Hold the Rope and Get Your Friends Close to Jesus. They hope to have the book finished and on the market by the first of the year. The evangelism book was inspired by the message Shonn preached at our home church, Carolina Forest Community Church on Sunday, May 31 You can listen to the message at http://www.carolinaforest.org/ in the sermon archives.

Shonn is also working on a new project for Shonn Keels Ministries, a monthly personal development audio journal entitled, “Maximize Your Life.” It will soon be available through itunes or on CD.

As always, we want to thank you for your love and support. Please continue to pray God will grow us and use us for His glory.

God loves you and so do we,
The Keels Family

Double your rate of failure = success

2009-07-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Many great leaders have said, "If you want success, you must double your rate of failure." Think with me for a moment. No great success story is devoid of failure along the way. As the father of two girls, I have followed very closely the rise of Disney's Princess of Pop, Hannah Montana or as some know her, Miley Cyrus. She has an incredible story. A few years ago when Disney was casting for the Hannah Montana show Miley was turned down. She was told she was too young and too short. Disney made it clear to her she was not what they were looking for. After returning to Nashville, Miley simply would not take no for an answer. She used this failure as a launch pad for her success. On her own dime, she flew back to California and assured Disney's executives she was indeed Hannah Montana and the rest is history.

In her movie, she introduced her single hit song, "The Climb". It is a beautiful song declaring life is full of challenges, set backs and failures. However, the song teaches "The Climb" or the journey is what life is all about. Along "The Climb" or in the journey, God clearly uses failure to make us stronger if we do not fold under the pressure.

In my new book, Maximize Your Leadership, I define failure this way. Failure is not when we try and do not succeed, it is when we succeed at not trying.

Do not give up on your dreams. They can become a reality. If you see them in your mind you can reach them. Believe and achieve! Just do it. When the unexpected happens do not become bitter, choose to be better. Use setbacks as a launch pad for your success. You hold the key to your future and with God's help you can accomplish the impossible.

Let Thomas Edison be an example to us all. When encouraged to give up on making the light bulb and ridiculed because of his thousands of failed attempts. Edison replied that he had not failed. He announced he had just discovered thousands of ways not to make a light bulb. I am thankful he did not give up. Today I can see at night because of his persistence and undeniable believe in FAILING FORWARD!

God loves you and so do we,
Maximize Your Life

"For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37

Freedom ...

2009-07-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! Today has been made possible by the courageous men and women who have faithfully and selflessly served our country in the past and those who are protecting the very FREEDOM we are blessed to experience in these great United States of America.

Please safely and wisely enjoy the day. Laugh much and spend time with your family. Pray for the families of those who have gone before us from the battle fields while protecting the FREEDOM we are observing. Pray also for those who are on the front lines this special day protecting the FREEDOM we possess as Americans.

Also, thank you for your faithful prayers and support of Shonn Keels Ministries. We are blessed to call you friend.

Shonn and the Family

May and June updates ...

2009-06-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

May took us to Kentucky and Arkansas with Team Impact and we witnessed over 150 decisions for the Lord Jesus. In May Shonn also got to preach at our church. It was an exciting time as God moved and challenged many to make commitments to doing what they can to get their friends close to Jesus. We were also blessed with the opportunity to spend a week in Florida. While we were there we spent a day in the Magic Kingdom. It was great family time.

In June we traveled to Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Minnesota with Team Impact. They were all fruitful and fun events but TN was especially exciting. In TN we participated in JFest, a huge christian festival. We met Building 429, Salvador, Mark Harris, John Waller, FFH, and Francesca Battistelli. We also went to Gulf Shores, Alabama where Shonn was the key speaker for a middle school beach camp with 100 students. Awesome days! In the month of June we witnessed almost 200 decisions for the Lord.

We are blessed to travel as a family and see God work in such incredible ways. Thank you for your prayers and your support.

Blessings,
Shonn and the family

3 secrets to success ...

2009-06-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

Successful people share many things in common. All of these things are vital to success in any area of life. Below are 3 of their common secrets.

First, successful people take the time to dream. They understand the power of vision. They know vision creates a passion and that passion leads to action. Therefore, they dream big. Successful people do not dream dreams that anyone can accomplish. They dream dreams that require the help of a team. Their vision is so big it requires the help of others to see it become a reality. (Let me encourage you to take the time to dream today!)

Secondly, successful people take action. They are not just dreamers, they are doers! They understand that dreams do not come true if you do not work for them. They roll their sleeves up and get their hands dirty. They get up earlier than others and stay up later than their friends. They tend to watch less television and they tend to read often. They understand that leaders are readers and those who take the time to learn are the ones who earn. They understand the important principle of cause and effect. They know that for every action there is and equal and opposite reaction. They believe and practice the biblical principle of sowing and reaping. They do something positive everyday to make their dream a reality.

Thirdly, successful people never quit. They understand the power of staying with their dream. They realize that their dream cannot become a reality if they give up. They understand that failure is not when one does not succeed but when one quits! They press through challlenges and turn obstacles into opportunities. They move forward ran or shine. Successful people are in it to win it and they understand that winning is everything. Yes, winning is everything that's why we keep score. They are consistent and persistent. Many call them obsessed but that's okay with them because they understand their obsession will become their success.

The above are only 3 of the secrets all successful people have in common. Over the next few weeks I will be sharing many more of them. Stay tuned and enjoy. May God grow us as we seek to be all he created us to be and live out the plan he has for our lives.

Blessings,
Shonn

It's up to you ...

2009-06-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

So much of your future is up to you. Ronald McNair writes, "Whether or not you reach your goals in life depends entirely on how well you prepare for them and how badly you want them."
God has given you the ability to make decisions to shape your destiny. Remember what John Maxwell wrote, "If you are failing to plan, you are planning to fail." Make plans today to build a bright future. Do not let the economy or others steal your dreams. God holds your future in his hands not your friends. God does not need a booming economy to prosper you spiritually, relationally, emotionally and/or financially. He just needs you to believe in who he created you to be and to make decisions accordingly.

Dream big dreams. Prepare daily to see the dreams become a reality and then do what you can with God's help to make them a reality in your life. Remember to bless others along the journey as God blesses you!

Blessings,
Shonn

Excerpt from, Maximize Your Leadership

2009-06-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

I’ve heard it again and again. "Winners never quit and quitters never win." Yes, this is true and worthy of being repeated. "Winners never quit and quitters never win!"

There are not many things I despise more in life than a pessimistic attitude. I cringe at the words, “I can’t.” These words should not exist in the leader’s vocabulary.

The leader was born to succeed. He cannot and will not fail. Buried deep within his heart is an innate desire for victory. He does not like the taste of defeat; if he has tasted it once, it was one time too many. He is wired for winning. He sees problems as potential and obstacles as opportunities. What may look like stumbling blocks in his path are simply stepping stones to his success. He understands that the most inspiring opportunities for courage and growth come when he faces the greatest odds.

The book of Acts records the first activity of the church. At first glance, we recognize quickly that the church suffered persecution from the start. Her path in this world started and has continued to look much like the path of Jesus. It was a path filled with persecution, attack, and much opposition. However, the church has responded to these demonic attempts to end her influence in the world. She has refused and continues to refuse to surrender. The leaders throughout church history have recognized that the purpose of the church is far greater than the pain inflicted upon her. The response of the church to her earliest major opposition is a great illustration of the never-surrender attitude a leader must possess. The result of her perseverance is a picture of what happens when the leader does not quit.

In Acts chapters 7 and 8, Saul and other religious leaders launched an all-out assault on the church. Just after Stephen was stoned to death, “a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.” (Acts 8:1–3) Many people would have given up in the face of such opposition. Surely onlookers in their day or students of church history would not think badly of those who folded under such pressure. However, this was not the testimony of the early church. No, they did not give up, shut up, or let up. Instead, “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4) They stood toe to toe with their giant, with a sling and a stone in hand, and persevered to victory in the midst of such hateful opposition.

A normal person might give up in the face of opposition, but not the leader. He will take risks. The leader understands that playing it safe does not win ball games, build organizations, or grow churches. He understands that victory is defined by prevailing, not by preserving the status quo. He realizes that the greatest risk of all is to give up or to do nothing at all. “When the pressure is on, great leaders are at their best. Whatever is inside them comes to the surface.”[i] Tenacity is what the opposition will bring out in the leader.

10 Maxwell, John. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 1998, 158.

Vison...

2009-06-08T05:16:00.000-07:00

Helen Keller was once asked what was worse than being born blind. She replied, Being born with sight and having no vsion for your life. Vision is extremely important! King Solomon in the Bible teaches, Where there is no vision the people perish.

Vision is a picture of what the future can look like with God's help that produces a passion in you. What vision do you have for life? What is God stirring in your heart? What consumes your mind?

Let me encourage you to search your heart, seek God and capture a great Vision to pour your life into. This life is to short to just live it for self. There is much to be accomplished for the Kingdom. There are many who need to be served. Your vision for life can truly make a difference!

Blessings,
Shonn

Which One Are You?

2009-06-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

The longer I live the more I realize there are only a few types of people: people who sit around and talk about the things that are happening, people who sit around and watch things happen and then there are people who make things happen. Which one are you?

Life is all about choices. What happens in yours is up to you. I like what Chuck Swindol once said, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it." Choose today to chart your own course. Be sure to pray as you are charting the next leg of your journey. With God's help, it will be an amazing and successful ride.

Do not let your surroundings dictate your future. Become a thermostat instead of a thermometer. The thermostat controls the temperature. The thermometer rises and falls depending on the environment around it.

Aim high as the Air Force encourages. A dream that can be accomplished easily is not a dream worth living for. A dream so big it requires God's help is one worth pursuing. Dream big and live large.

Blessings,
Shonn

New Book...

2009-05-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

My new book, "Maximize Your Leadership", is in the final editing stage and is expected to hit the market in August. Please plan to get a copy for you and a copy for a friend.

Thanks,
Shonn

April Update ...

2009-05-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

The month of April took us to Griffith, Indiana, Nitro, West Virginia and West Columbia, South Carolina. And yes, God did an amazing work in each of the churches. We saw over 400 people make decisions for the Lord Jesus Christ and witnessed almost 60 of them follow through with believers baptisms at the events.

I was asked today if I missed being a pastor. My reply was yes and no. I do miss serving in the one local church; but, I absolutely love traveling and sharing the Gospel week after week around the world. My family and I are blessed to travel in this season and work with the local church around the world.

Thank you for your prayers and support. We could not make it with out each of you. You all play an integral part in helping us take the Gospel to our neighbors and the nations.

Blessings,
Shonn and the Keels Family

Tweet Tweet ...

2009-04-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

If you want to keep up with us on a more consistent basis go to www.twitter.com and set up a free twitter account. Once your account is establish type in shonnkeels and click follow. I tweet throughout the day and it will be much easier to keep up with us this way.

Blessings,
Shonn

March Update...

2009-04-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

In the month of March we went to Chicago, Ill and Dunn, NC. and witnessed over 300 decisions for Christ. We are floored that God allows us to see such fruit. It is incredible!

Our Vemma/Verve business is continuing to grow. The growth is beginning to get exciting. The paychecks are fun; but, the health testimonies we are hearing are even better. Below are a few of the excting stories.

A gentleman who is nearly 50 is running daily again without pain in his knees. A lady in her mid 30's has found relief from an old nagging pain in her ankle. Many have raved about an increase in their energy levels. An associate pastor in Tennessee has seen his chloresterol levels lower. I have witnessed the dropping of my blood pressure back into the normal range. A new friend with Fibromyalgia in finally experiencing some relief from her pain. Two of my diabetic friends over 50 have watched their sugar levels regulate like never before. And I could go on and on and on...

Vemma is the real deal and is a natural alternative to prescription medicines. There are no negative side affects and it is listed in the Physician's Desk Reference. If you are not yet using it, do yourself a favor and give it a shot for a month or so. Vemma offers a 30 day empty bottle money-back guarantee.

Be Blessed and thanks for your prayers and support,

Shonn and the family

February Update...

2009-03-20T15:02:00.001-07:00

February was a fun month. We traveled to Candler, NC and Hensley, AR and witnessed God do some incredible things. In these two cities we saw over 200 people make decisions to follow Jesus Christ.

The Hensley trip was especially exciting. Shonn got snowed in for a few hours. He got up to go to the airport for a 5:50am flight and it was delayed for just over 6 hours because the Charlotte, NC airport was shut down due to severe winter weather. Chip Minton, one of our Team Impact friends, actually spent the night in the Charlotte airport because of the crazy weather along with thousands of others. However, February was a great month of ministry.

We talk regularly as a family of how blessed we are to be able to travel together and see God work in so many cities across the US and around the world. It is truly a blessing and we are grateful to the many of you who help make this possible.

Thank you and blessings,

The Keels

January Update...

2009-02-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

January has been an incredible month. We hosted crusades in Woodruff, SC, Beaufort, SC, and Saraland, Alabama. In each church we met incredible people who firmly believe God is alive and well and the He has commissioned us to reach the world with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In these churches we were blessed to see over 400 people receive Christ!

Shonn also had the opportunity to preach for our friend Pastor Jason Hoagland to open up the New Year at University Baptist Church in Conway, SC. It was a very encouraging Sunday.

We are consistently reminded of how great God is to us as a family. We are blessed to partner with so many devoted Christ followers around the country. We are looking forward to what God has planned for February. Please continue to pray for fruit as we seek to honor Him.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Shonn and the Family

PS Finally, Shonn's manuscript of his leadership book has been sent to a publisher and should be in print in the next three or four months.

Attitude makes the difference...

2009-01-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Leadership guru's from all walks of life agree that, "Attitude makes the difference." As John Maxwell writes, "Your attitude determines your altitude." Norman Vincent Peale says, "Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure."A winning attitude is a key ingredient to finding success in any area of our lives. I like what Henry Ford says, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are right." ATTITUDE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

Chuck Swindoll, the President of the Dallas Theological Seminary, author and pastor, writes, "Life is only 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." This quote reminds me that although we can't control our circumstances, we can control how we react to them. Challenges do not have to be obstacles, they can simply become opportunities for us to grow and learn. When these seemingly insurmountable stumbling blocks erect themselves in our path, we must use them as stepping stones and choose to become better and not bitter. Lets all rember that challenges can be our greatest teachers.

Here are two vital keys to keeping a positive attitude.

1. Stay connected to a group of positive friends. Being apart of a positive community will help you gain and maintain a winning attitude. Surrounding yourself with successful people who possess winning attitudes will only rub off on you.

2. Do something positive daily. Read, pray, serve someone. All of these will help us look beyond ourselves and our circumstances and maintain a winning attitude.

Cheering You On,
Shonn

Shonn Keels Ministries underway...

2009-01-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

The New Year is officially underway and SKM is on the road again.

We closed 2008 and began 2009 with Shonn speaking at a friends church while the pastor and his wife were able to enjoy the holidays at home with their families. Although our time off has been fun, Shonn had a blast preaching the last two weekends.

We will be traveling with Team Impact in January leading 3 crusades in South Carolina and Alabama. We are excited about traveling as a family again. Even thought there is no place like home, we love to travel as a family with Team Impact. God allows us to meet incredible people, stay in some cool places and see many people surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. We are continually humbled at how good God is to us as a family.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and for your support. Our ministry would not be possible without it. Please pray for our safety as we will spend much time on the road in this New Year. Please pray for much fruit in our ministry and with our partnership with Team Impact.

Blessings to you and your family,
The Keels

I can see clearly now....

2008-12-31T11:13:00.000-08:00

I remember hearing a song years ago with the following lyrics, "I can see clearly now the rain has gone..." or something like that. The point is seeing clearly. The longer I live and the more I study those who have achieved any level of success, the clearer it becomes to me that VISION is perhaps the strongest common denominator of the successful. Those who succeed in any area of life all possess a large vision. Bill Hybels, the pastor of one of the most influential churches in the world and one of the largest churches in North Amerca, says, "Vision is a picture of the future that produces passion." Successful people are optimistic people. They see success long before it ever comes. Because they see it clearly, the passion to achieve their dreams pushes them through any setbacks that may occurr. They see obstacles as opportunities. They do not have problems; but, they do face challenges. These challenges only make them stronger. The challenges simply fuel their passion to live their dream and see their vision become a reality.

The Bible speaks clearly about the importance of vision. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs, "Where there is no vision the people cast off all restraint..." One version says, "...the people perish." Simply put, when people do not have a vision for their life they simply wander through life aimlessly. Helen Keler once wrote, "What is worse than being born blind is to be born with sight and have no vision for your life." VISION is a must!! As the New Year is upon us, go before the Lord and ask Him to burn a huge vision in your heart. And remember, if the vision is one you can accomplish without God's help, it is simply not BIG enough!

Ask God to give you a vision for your relationships. Ask Him to give you one for your finances. Ask Him to give you one for every area of your life and then submit to Him and discipline yourself to work diligently in an effort to see your vision become a reality. Choose this day to begin to live your dream.

And pray for my family that we will do the same.
Blessings,
Shonn

financial independence...

2008-12-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered if financial independence is possible? I have! I mean is it really possible for people to live free from any and all debt? Really!?! Is it possible? Or is it just a dream. Can people really earn that much money without losing their family, their sanity and/or their character in the process? Can it be done if you did not inherit a bunch of money? Can we become wealthy if we are not actors, musicians, professional athletes, drug dealers or criminals? Can this seemingly elusive American dream become a reality to those who did not grow up with a silver spoon? Can it be possible to be a person of strong moral character with a great family life from meager beginnings to become finanially independent?

About four months ago, I met a group of incredible people. Many of them who love God and treat others the way they want to be treated. They vacation with their families often, going where they want to go and staying for as long as they want to stay. They do not answer to a boss. They have no employees. Their time away from work is not dictated by a human resource manual. They can stay up late and sleep in if they choose. When they want something they do not charge it they simply purchase it. They have money in the bank and the bank does not own their cars or their homes. And they refuse to participate in the recession our economy is going through at the time of this writing. These new friends of mine are like everyday people for the most part. However, there is something different about them.

They THINK, BELIEVE and ACT differently!

They THINK the seemingly elusive American dream is possible. They BELIEVE it can be reached. They BELIEVE financial independence can be gained without losing their character, their sanity and/or their family. This staunch belief in the seemingly elusive American dream led each of them to ACTION and they each persistently and patiently achieved their goal of financial independence.

HOW?

I am glad you asked! And I would love the opportunity to share with you their secret as they have shared it with me. I am learning from them. This personal growth is changing the way I think, believe and act. Because of this, I, too, think the American dream can be a reality. I, too, believe financial independence is truly available to those who take action and follow the simple roadmap to success laid out by those who have paved the way for us!

Sound too easy? Not if you believe it is possible!

Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over year after year and expecting different results!

If you are ready for something different. The roadmap to success is available to people like you and me. I have been introduced to it and I am getting off to a pretty good start. If you would like to take the journey also and become healthier in the process, zap me an email at shonn@shonnkeels.com and I'll get in touch with you soon.

Blessings to you and Merry Christmas,
Shonn

2008 in Review...

2008-12-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

Hey Gang,
2008 has been a very fruitful year for Shonn Keels Ministries and our partnership with Team Impact. Bonnie, the girls and I have shared the Gospel in 30 different cities and 3 different countries this year. Along the way, God allowed us to personally see over 5,000 decisions for Christ. Wow! It truly has been an amazing year!!

One of the coolest things this year was driving across the USA from the east coast to the west coast in an RV. We drove through sunshine, rain and snow and saw much of the country. We saw mountains, deserts, valleys, hills, plains, beaches and many other interesting things on our journey. It by far was one of the most fun times we have ever spent together as a family.

One of the most humbling experiences was having the opportunity to preach in pulpits all over the country this past year. One of these churches was First Baptist Atlanta. This was very special for me because shortly after receiving Christ in 1992, I used to listen to Dr. Charles Stanley's radio teachings regularly. I read a few of his books and hoped one day to meet him because of the impact he had on my life. Little did I know I would one day preach in his church. What an experience and what a privilege. I am humbled and honored!

One of the most frightening experiences took place in the jungles of southern India. A couple of friends and I were traveling along with Dr. Babu Narendran and his wife when we noticed six wild elephants to the side of the road we were traveling on in the jungle. After deciding to stop and watch the wild elephants in the wild, the good doctors cell phone went off. It startled the mother elephant who then charged the jeep. I was sitting in the back of the jeep when I noticed the wild elephant running wrecklessly and rapidly in our direction. Soon all passengers including me were yelling for Dr. Babu to go quickly. Fortunately for all of us, a jeep simultaneously rounded the corner and its bright lights frightened the raging elephant. It then turned and rushed back into the woods. The elephant, before turning back to the woods, was about two feet from trampling the jeep. Thank you Lord for the unexpected jeep!!

One of the most awesome experiences was when a heroine addict who had been violated in a number of ways by people who were supposed to love and protect her tearfully responded to our message of hope and inspiration. With God's help and the help of a great local church, this young lady made a commitment to change her life.

One lesson God continues to teach us. LOVE!!!

Thanks to all for your love, prayers and support. Please continue to pray for us!

Merry Christmas,
Shonn, Bonnie, Brelin and Baylee

H.O.P.E. Trust India

2008-12-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

Hey Gang,
In 1986, Dr. Babu and Dr. Sally Narendran left their own medical practices in one of the metropolitan areas of India and headed into the southern jungle to serve the outcasts of their own country. They left the city and a life of luxury, moved into the jungle and opened up their home as a free medical clinic to serve those in the surrounding tribes. Because of their generosity, their home soon became an orphanage also.

Doctors Babu and Sally were burdened for the tribal people of their own country because the Gospel had not yet made it into the jungle. India’s population is 1.2 billion and only 2% Christian. There are many in the jungle areas of India that have never even heard the name of Jesus Christ. HTI is taking Jesus to the jungle!

God has richly blessed the ministry of HTI. It now operates on a full compound to include: a hospital, an orphanage, an English speaking school and a computer lab. The work of HTI is a labor of love and is offered at no charge to the poverty stricken tribal people of India. However, the ministry itself requires finances to operate on a daily basis. HTI has made it for over two decades because of people like you.

Please check out the work at www.hopetrust-india.org and prayerfully consider becoming a HTI sponsor. You can give in at least one of the following ways.

Sponsorship Levels

Silver – You can set up a monthly autoship to purchase the most complete liquid
multivitamin available on the market today at the following website:
www.myvemma.com/hopetrustindia. Each month when your vitamin
is ordered HTI will receive a percentage of your cost.

Gold – You can give $15 monthly to sponsor a tribal child. The child will receive:
safe transportation in and out of the jungle daily, a Christian education,
one hot meal, free medical care, a uniform and all school supplies.

Diamond – You can give $50 monthly to sponsor an orphan. The child will receive:
three hot meals daily, free medical care, a Christian education, a uniform,
all school supplies, and a place to call home.

Platinum – You can give $75 monthly to sponsor a teacher. The cost will fully cover the
salary for a certified teacher and provide the teacher with one hot meal daily.

*For US tax purposes, all Gold, Diamond, and Platinum level sponsors should make all tax-deductible gifts to Shonn Keels Ministries and mail to 8001 Baylight Court, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579. You will receive quarterly updates on your sponsorships and a tax receipt in the New Year for your taxes.

Thanks for checking in and keeping up with what God is doing in and through SKM!

God loves you and we do too!
Shonn, Bonnie and the Girls

Who is Jesus...

2008-11-21T04:39:00.000-08:00

A group of religious leaders once questioned Jesus about his identity and He said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." John 8:58

There is much that can be said about this verse and the related passage; however, we will only address two primary words "was" and "am". These words are quite different. In the original language the first word "was" teaches that Abraham was brought into existence. It clearly teaches he is a created being. On the other hand, the second word "am" clearly declares Christ did not come into existence; rather, He has always existed. He is co-eternal with the Father. He indeed is God the Son and the Son of God. Just as John declared in John 1:1 , "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Let no one be mistaken! Jesus, the Christ, is God! He is the resurrection and the life. There is no other name under heaven where by man can be saved. He is not a way to God; He is the way to God!! One will never truly know peace, gain a purpose, receive hope or have assurance of eternal life until one confesses with his mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and believes with his heart that He has been raised from the dead.

Please trust Him today if you have not already done so. If you have, share this incredible news with someone who needs it before it is too late. Please do not delay!!

God Loves you and so do we,
Shonn and the Family

People Need the Lord...

2008-11-19T20:32:00.000-08:00

Recently, while sitting in the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, I was involved in an interesting conversation with a couple of Hindus. It amazes me at how devoted and sincere some people people can be and still be wrong! After sharing the Gospel many times and recognizing the lostness of my new friends, I was reminded that people need the Lord. There are millions and tens of millions around the world that have no clue what God has done for them. My heart hurts for the sincerely religious people who are sincerely wrong with their empty faith.

Having traveled abroad extensively over the last two decades, I have realized that Coca-Cola can be found all over the world: in the jungles of India, in the jungles of Africa, Ukraine, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Singapore, Thailand and other remote areas of the world. My point is this: if Coca-Cola can get their product around the world, how much more should we be diligent about getting the Gospel to the people who need the Lord!!

Pray for us and we will continue to pray for you!!

God loves you and so do we,
Shonn and the Family

Apple Hill...

2008-11-17T19:20:00.001-08:00

We just saw a little piece of heaven that is tucked away in the mountains of North Wilkesboro, NC. Peace Haven Baptist Church invited us to be apart of their annual revival and put us up at Apple Hill. It was beautiful! The mountain home we stayed in was fit for a king and his royal family and the view was spectacular. We really enjoyed being there together as a family.

The revival was special. There is unbelievable talent in Peace Haven. The music throughout the week set a great tone for the message to be presented each night. By testimony, several were touched by God's hand in a way that cannot be denied. His presence was certainly real and His convicting hand was at work in a very loving way.

Sunday night we were excited to see a few give their hearts to the Lord! God was certainly honored and all of heaven joined us in rejoicing over those who came to Christ for salvation.

Please continue to be in prayer for us as we move into this holiday season. We have been on the road much of the year and will have some down time soon. Although we love traveling, presenting the Gospel and seeing people receive Christ. A little time in our home for the holidays is going to be nice.

God loves you and so do we,
Shonn and the family

Blogger Nation...

2008-09-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang,

Wow, it's been awhile. Sorry about that. We have been on the road quite a bit lately and I've been slacking on my writing.

God has been doing a tremendous work through TI and we count it a privilege to be a part of such an exciting and fruitful ministry. Over the past couple of months we have been to: Macon, Ga, Boiling Springs, SC, Sneads Ferry, NC and Bonnie's home town of Sumter, SC and Shonn has also been to Mich, two differint places in Miss. and Wisconsin.

In a few of the cities, Shonn dressed like a bum and preached the Good Samaritan message. Twice he was almost picked up by the police. It amazes us each time when Shonn does this message how often we (this includes us) miss opportunities to serve someone in our own circle of influence who has needs.

On the way to a big crusade in Orlando and then staying a couple of days to visit with Mickey Mouse to celebrate Baylee's birthday.

Went to our home church last weekend and loved it. Pastor Brad Mitchell and the great staff and volunteer teams are doing a phenomenal job. We were moved in the time of worship through song and challenged during the time Brad spoke on relationships.

Blessings to all and remember God loves you and so do we,
The Keels

VERVE!

2008-08-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang,

Please check out my new website www.myverve.com/shonnkeels. Bonnie and I are drinking one of these daily before every workout. Verve is the healthy alternative to the other energy drinks on the market. It is all natural and contains the necessary daily intake of multi-vitamins as well.

We like them and are making a little extra money drinking them. Check it out and let me know what you think.

shonn@shonnkeels.com

Blessings,
Shonn

Australia...

2008-05-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

Australia is a beautiful country. the people are nice and the Church is alive and well. Wow! they definitely love to worship down under. it is pretty cool seeing God work around the world. His Church is growing and prospering. people are being reached and His name is being lifted high.

there is no place like home! family is most important. i thank God regularly for blessing me with my family. He is so good to me. He is good to all of us. He is better to us than we deserve. may His name be praised forever and ever.

shonn

thanksgiving is not just a day...

2008-05-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

Last night the fam and I were wrapping up a study of 1 Thess. in the New Testament and I was reminded that thanksgiving is not just a day we celebrate it is a Biblical command for all fully devoted followers of Christ. "...in everthing give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess 5"18.

"...in Christ Jesus." It is obvious this command to give thanks in all circumstances is for fully devoted followers of Christ. After all, what does it really mean to be in Christ Jesus.

Have you ever questioned God's will? I mean like, God what is your will for my life? Well, I have and sometimes still do. However, in this verse Paul reminds us all that no matter what our individual callings are in this life God's will for each of us is to give thanks in all circumstances. Yes, in all circumstances. Wow, this can be really hard.

It was ironic that during the Bible study I noticed Baylee was wearing a "Ray of Hope" shirt that was designed in memory of a great friend of mine, Darryl Ray. Darryl was tragically taken from us a few years ago in an automobile accident. He and his family are fully devoted followers of Christ. The verse was put on the shirt to remind us all that even in our most difficult days, in our darkest moments, in our most trying times we can find something to be thankful for.

I remember speaking at Darryl's memorial service. We thanked God for the testimony of a life well lived. We thanked God for Darryl's salvation. We thanked God for the example Darryl set for us all of what it meant to be a great husband and a super dad. We thanked the Lord for so many other things about Darryl that made him special and reminded us that he was a part of God's family.

So, let's all remember, even when life doesn't make sense we can find something to be thankful for and when we exercise this attitude of gratitude we are in the center of the Lord's will and there is no better place to be.

Blessings,
Shonn

Love, love, love...

2008-04-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Love is all you need. This is so true and it is what seekers are looking for and many of them do not know how to articulate this need.

I was reminded of this simple truth today in the market place. I regularly and intentionally visit a place of business that is full of people who are far from God. Lately, I have been talking to a guy who is obviously by his lifestyle and his own profession not a follower of Christ. He said he tried church for awhile but was not very fond of those who called themselves Christians. He went on to talk about how judgmental they were and how hippocritical they were.

Wow! How powerful is the testimony of the live of those who call themselves Christians. Our lives can be used to lead people to Christ or to drive them away. We need to learn our greatest ministry is to love God and to love others and leave the cleaning up of people to God. The ministry of convicition is the Holy Spirits. As one smooth preacher said, "We are called to be fishers of men and not cleaners of fish."

As Jesus said and commanded, "Love God" and "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Blessings,
Shonn

The windy city...

2008-04-26T15:19:00.001-07:00

After NC, we headed to Griffith, IN. God did a great work in both cities. We saw 400 people make decisions for Christ. We never tire of seeing God open the spiritual eyes of seekers. We join in with the angels in Heaven and rejoice each time the Gospel is presented and people respond to the invitation placing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Griffith was only 28 miles from downtown Chicago. On Sat, we were able to walk along the streets of the windy city and take in some sites. The girls believe they were made to live in a big city. I think they just like shopping!

We miss you all and keep you in our prayers. Thanks for all of your love and support.

Blessings,
Shonn, Bonnie and the girls

Update...

2008-04-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

We are doing well and our travels have been blessed. We had a great time in Manning and Atlanta and are now in North Carolina. Many people are getting saved and God is teaching us daily to trust in Him. He is so good to us.

Please pray our house sells quickly. It is officially on the market. We hope to be in Texas by late July.

Thanks for your love, prayers and support.

Blessings,
Shonn and the Family

The Passion...

2008-03-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

Today I was preparing for Easter Sunday's sermon. I was so moved emotionally that I got a terrible headache. Let me explain.

Instead of reading the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection I surfed the net and found a great sight with pictures of His story from the movie The Passion of the Christ. I went over the story in my mind while viewing the pictures over and over again today. While thinking through the story the pictures spoke to me of How great the love of God is. He is far better to us than we deserve.

Observing the pictures also gave me a little insight into the depth of Jesus' suffering. Thinking of how my sin brought the brutal death upon Him made me sick today. I looked at the broken body depicting my Savior and was physically sick. Thank God for mercy through the sacrifice of His Son, without it, we would all be doomed!

Happy Easter,

Shonn

January and February Update...

2008-03-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

God is doing a tremendous work already this year. In January and February we saw over 500 people make decisions for the Lord Jesus Christ and I stood face to face with almost 5000 teenagers in public school assemblies sharing a message of hope and inspiration. We traveled from the Atlantic to the Pacific and back ministering in 6 different states. God is alive and working diligently in and through the ministry of the local church.

We really are enjoying traveling together. We have been very blessed to be able to spend so much time together. As a dad, I am cherishing the extra time that I have with my girls who are growing up so fast. We are seeing so much of the country and experiencing God together in many different worship cultures along the way. We are truly blessed!

Thank you for praying and supporting us the way you do.

Blessings,
Shonn and the Family

Judgement Day...

2008-02-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

American Idol was titled "Judgement Day" tonight and rightly so. The contestants were judged for their performances. Some made it and some did not. Watching it tonight reminded me of what the Bible teaches about mankind. In Hebrews, the Bible teaches "it is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgement." We will all die and then we will all stand before the judge.

What will be different for us than the American Idol contestants is we will not be judged on how well we perform. We will be judged on what we do with Jesus! If we choose to repent of our sin and trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior we will be ushered into eternal life in a real place called Heaven.

Jn 3:16,
Shonn

Tell it well and tell it often...

2008-02-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

The apostle Peter challenged or should I say commanded us as Christ followers to first make Christ number one in our lives. Recently, as I have been evaluating my own walk with Christ, I asked what am I doing to make Christ number one in my life. I want to challenge you to consider asking yourself the same question. I realized that I needed to change my routine a little. I realized my spiritual life is much like my physical life. After doing a certain set of excercises in the gym for a season I get bored and my muscles are not challenged like they were when I first started the routine. So, I change my routine. I brings new life to my workouts and challenges my muscles in a new and fresh way. There are times where I do this in my spiritual life as well. I may change my study time or topic. I may challenge myself to study a topic I haven't studied in awhile or read a book in the Bible I haven't read in awhile. When I do this it often challenges me in new and fresh ways and revives my relationship with God.

Peter also states we are to be prepared to share our testimony of our faith in Christ at a moments notice. Let me encourage you to work on your testimony if you have not done it. Also, look for and pray for opportunities to share your testimony with others. Your story of receiving God's amazing grace is awesome and someone in your circle of influence needs to hear it. Tell it well and tell it often!

Remember, Peter also commands us to tell our story with love and respect. Do not push! Just pray and share as the Lord leads you. Be careful to share with the same grace God extended to you.

Blessings,
Shonn

Happy Trails...

2008-01-31T20:05:00.000-08:00

California was great and the crusade was a huge success for Neighborhood Baptist Church in Ramona. They some some of their largest crowds ever and saw more people come to Christ in three days than they saw over the last few years.

Texas is looking more and more like home. Please be in prayer for us as a family as we consider this move. We just want to honor the Lord and position our family in a place that may give us a greater opportunity to influence more people with the Gospel as a family.

Our study on personal evangelism is going great. I am being challenged to put together a former evangelism workshop I wrote in seminary into book form. I am just in the praying stage. Pray God will give me all I need if I am to tackle this project. If my time can be better invested pray God will give me that wisdom.

Thank you for believing in us as a family.

Blessings,
Shonn

the Master's Painting...

2008-01-20T19:44:00.000-08:00

I took an art appreciation class when I was working on my undergraduate degree. I remember studying certain paintings to learn more about each artist. Over the last few days I feel like we have been studying the Master as we have had the opportunity to study His handiwork. Each state is different. Each city is different. We have driven through sunshine, rain, sleet and snow. This evening we drove through the rolling hills of western Texas and like an old western movie we drove right off into the sunset. It was brilliant! We stopped off for the night in Van Horn, Texas. It reminds us of an old town in the John Wayne movies. Tumble weed was blowing across the desert looking landscape.

Our travels have given us a refreshing glimpse into the mind of our amazing Creator. Our God is an awesome God! And to think, out of all He created, He made us to relate to him. Yes, we are His most prized possession. I, personally, agree with the Psalmist as he wrote in Psalm 8 "when I consider the your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him,". Think about it for a moment. God created all that is seen and unseen and we are His most awesome work! He loved us so much He made it possible that we could relate to Him through faith in Jesus the Christ. Wow, what an awesome God we serve!

Please pray for 100,000 decisions in 2008!

Blessings,
Shonn

Snowing in Toomsuba...

2008-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

Where in the world is Toomsuba? That is the question. When I first saw the sign I thought we were headed to purchase an instrument for an orchestra. My girls corrected me and informed me that is a Tuba. Toomsuba is a city in Mississippi. We stayed there last night and it snowed on us. We drove for two hours in snow that was coming down sideways. Brelin slept through most of it and Baylee bounced all around the RV screaming "it's snowing".

We are studying a personal evengilism video course. Last night the lesson was filmed on the street in Las Vegas. It broke our hearts watching interview after interview. There are many right here in our own country who do not know Christ. Please join us and pray for 100,000 decisions for Christ this year!!

We ate at an incredible steakhouse in Dallas!

Please continue to pray for us as we travel. We are anticipating much fruit in California.

Blessings,
Shonn

Caledonia, Mississipi

2008-01-14T10:48:00.001-08:00

I just returned from an event in Miss. It was awesome and eye opening! In just three nights 114 people made decisions to follow Christ and 10 of them followed through with baptism Sunday morning. Praise the Lord!

When Kevin Dowd and I were greeted at the airport, we were informed that a tornado had just hit Caledonia and destroyed the gymnasium at the school we were scheduled to do an assembly in. We spent the day traveling around looking at the destruction and meeting families that had lost everything. We had the opportunity to lead one man to Christ in his front yard! God is so good.

The unexpected natural disaster was a reminder to all that we never know what a day holds; because of this, it is good to know the One who holds the day!

Please pray for the families who lost so much in this storm! Pray for them as they rebuild their lives. Pray for the churches in Caledonia to rise up and represent Christ well as they serve their neighbors. Also, continue to pray many will come to Christ this year. We are praying for 100,000 souls for the Kingdom of God in 2008!

Blessings,
Shonn

The Lord's Prayer

2008-01-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

This week I spent some time studying through the Lord's Prayer as recorded in Matthew 5:9-13. Below are 3 things I learned:

1. In verse 9, Jesus teaches us about the importance of our relationship with God.

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,"

Notice Jesus teaches us to approach God as our heavenly Father. The Greek word for Father is Abba which can be translated Daddy. God wants us to approach Him as our loving Father, our heavenly Daddy. He then explains in Matt. 7:7-11, how our heavenly Father wants us to approach Him.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Our relationship with God through faith in Christ gives us direct access to our heavenly Father. He is not evil. No, as Jesus stated earlier, He is holy! There is no wrong in Him. He is absolute perfection and He has our best interest at heart. His desire is to bless us and build us to be strong in our faith. He wants to enable us to accomplish our purpose here on earth and to prepare us to join Him for eternity in an unbelievable place called Heaven.

2. In verse 10, Jesus teaches us about our responsibility to God.

"your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

We are to respond to God's unconditional love. According to Jesus love is spelled-OBEDIENCE.

"If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15

We are to do God's will here on earth just as it will be in heaven. We are to walk faithfully and work diligently to build God's Kingdom here on earth in and through the work of the local church.

3. In verses 11-13, Jesus teaches us about the content of our requests to God.

We are to pray with purpose.

"Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

Every day we are to ask our heavenly Father to meet our needs. We are not to worry (Mt 6:25-34). We need Him to feed us spiritually as we seek Him through the study of His Word and we need Him to provide for us physically as we work in our vocation. We also should come to Him daily asking for forgiveness and ensuring that we are holding no grudges or resentments against anyone. We should ask Him to direct our steps and pray fervently for protection against the evil one who is out to destroy our witness and our dreams (John 10:10).

Please know when we work our spiritual muscles through prayer, God is honored and moves on our behalf. He says to you and me in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Call on Him today! He is waiting and wanting to hear from you.

Blessings,
Shonn

Happy New Year...

2008-01-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all! We pray you have a blessed and prosperous New Year.

Please check out our new website at www.shonnkeels.com. We would love for you to give us feedback about the site. Let us know if it is informative. Feel free to send us suggestions to help make the site more effective.

Also please feel free to send us any prayer requests you have. We would be honored to lift up your needs to the Lord as a ministry.

You can email your prayers and your suggestions about the site to prayer@shonnkeels.com.

Blessings,
The Keels

Merry Christmas

2007-12-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

God is so gracious to you and me. Just over 2,000 years ago He sent His Son into the world that we might have the incredible privilege of knowing Him personally. It is a great thing that God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn us but to save us! He is awesome, much better to us than we deserve.

Christmas-what a time to reflect on God's amazing gift. We hope you all enjoy your holidays and reflect on God's goodness this holy day.

Blessings,
The Keels' Family

Audience of One...

2007-12-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

I remember meeting Jason Weaver a number of years ago just before he officially became "Big Daddy Weave." I was traveling with Team-Impact serving in a church in Birmingham, Alabama. After one of the night meetings Jason led us in a time of acoustic led worship in the pastor's home and then he sang for us the soon to be hit song, Audience of One. That moment will forever be etched into my Spirit. It reminded me, once again, we are here on earth for God's pleasure. We are to live our lives to honor him.

The apostle Paul taught this audience of One principle in the first chapter of Galatians. Take a moment and read it. Notice Paul did not shy away from saying what needed to be said. He was not concerned about what others would think of him. Rather, he made it clear, he was most concerned about what God thought of him. We too, should strive to speak, think and live for an audience of One.

God is so good to us! He is better to us than we deserve. We must live for Him and totally depend on Him for everything. Self-sufficiency is one of the greatest traps for believers especially believers in the western world. Self-sufficiency locks the doors of God's supernatural provision. God cannot bless a self-sufficient person. It is against his character. The one who lives by the mantra, "If it's gonna be, it's up to me." Will never truly receive God's supernatural best for his life. No, I say again, God does not bless the proud and self-sufficient!

How should we respond.

1. Sow seeds of service, time and finances diligently into the Kingdom.
2. Walk obediently to God's Word living to please Him.
3. Pray passionately and persistently for God's blessing in every area in our lives.
4. Expect the miracle we are in need of and use the blessing to be a blessing.

Remember, live for an audience of One. Passionately pursue God! Run from self-sufficiency (Proverbs 3:5-6). Pray to our Supernatural God, Jehovah-Jireh, for a supernatural harevest in every area of our lives.

Blessings,
Shonn

Grasshopper complex...

2007-12-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Get rid of the grasshopper complex. You remember the story. God's people who not claim the blessing of the promised land because they feared the giants in the land. They suffered from the grasshopper complex.

Today many suffer from the grasshopper complex and miss out on God's best for their marriage, family, finances, career, life, etc... Get rid of it. God wants His best for your life.

How do you receive His best. First, be sure not to disqualify yourself for it. Meditate on the following verses and learn what can disqualify you from God's best.

1. Disobedience can disqualify you. Deuteronomy 28, Isaiah 1:19,20
2. Refusing counsel. Proverbs 13:18
3. Refusing to work. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
4. Poverty or unworthy mentality. Proverbs 18:21

Let God's word shape you, not your past. You may have been abused, misused and/or accused in your life; but, the Good News is God does not see you as a victim. He sees you as a VICTOR! Believe what God sees in you and become who He has planned you to be. There you will find His blessing!

Meditate on and receive the following:

1. Do not be afraid. Psalm 91:5
2. Glorify Him and live a long life. Psalm 91:16
3. You always have direct access to God. Psalm 139:7, 8
4. Walk in blessing. Psalm 91:7
5. Walk in health. Psalm 91:10
6. Walk in His Spirit. Psalm 139:9-10
7. God is thinking good thoughts about you. Psalm 139:17, 18
8. God will revive you when trouble comes. Psalm 138:7

Repent! Turn from your old way of thinking and let God begin to shape your thoughts. Think victory, live obediently and receive all that God has for you. You are not a grasshopper. You are a giant killer, a mountain mover, you were born to taste the grapes and enjoy the milk and honey. Work hard and manage your resources wisely. Give, Give and Give! You will be blessed!

Blessings,
Shonn

Don't forget to ASK...

2007-12-18T06:34:00.001-08:00

As we get our finances in order and discover we have a genuine need for more, we must ask God specifically to meet this need. After all asking is receiving according to the Lord Jesus, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

Here are some of the top reasons people do not have once they have developed and are living by a great God honoring financial plan:

1. They fail to ask God specifically for their need.
2. They rebel against asking for assistance. (Pride is a killer.)
3. Many do not ask because they do not believe they deserve a financial blessing.
4. Many do not believe when they ask. (Read Is. 1:19 and Deut. 28:1-14. God is obsessed with our faith. He wants us to believe in Him.)

Do not be afraid to ask God for blessing. Make sure your financial plan is God honoring and then ask God specifically, persistently, honestly, expectantly, largley and in faith to bless your socks off and then be a blessing to others so the Gospel can reach your neighbors and the nations.

Blessings,
Shonn

Money, money, money...

2007-12-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

What amazes me about money is we cannot live without it. We cannot communicate the Gospel without it. Homes are not healthy, churches do not grow and missionaries are not successful without money. Then why does there seem to be such a lack of money in many homes, churches and why are many missionaries struggling to raise their support? The answer is simple--we do not always RESPECT money as we should. Don't get me wrong, God is in control! However, He has made it clear in His Word, if we are not faithful with what we have He will not give us more.
Let me illustrate this simple principle of respect or the lack there of.

Think of the child who holds out her hand wanting more money. Dad is always there giving her money, money and more money. She never has to work for it. She just asks and dad gives. Because of this she spends, spends and spends never really giving thought to it. She doesn't respect money. She has not learned the value of it.

Sometimes, if we are not wise, we are like the young lady. We get money and just spend, spend, and spend with no real plan. Because of this we eventually lack and if we are not careful we blame God.

Someone once said, "If we are failing to plan, we are planning to fail."

Develop a financial plan to live with in your means and ensure you include in your plan your tithes to your local church and offerings to a missions agency or a missionary as God leads you. When you do this God will honor your faithfulness and bless your socks off!

Blessings,
Shonn

Back next week...

2007-12-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

I will be back on the study next week. Our family is home for the holidays and I have been asked to speak at CFCC this weekend. I will spend much of my week preparing for Sunday.

Thanks for your prayers!

Blessings,
Shonn

Who holds your future?

2007-12-05T06:39:00.000-08:00

We like to say we believe God holds our future; but, when it comes to our finances, we often believe our level of income is decided by our boss or our job. While this may seem true on the surface if we meditate on the words of the psalmist we know God holds our future and our finances. "No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges; He brings one down, he exalts another." The psalmist makes it clear that God is in control. If this is not convincing enough read Deuteronomy 8:18 "But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth,...". Wow! It is clear. God controls our finances. They do not depend on our boss or our job. Ultimately they depend on our relationship with God.

Scripture also reminds us our position financially also depends on how we use our finances. Yes, our receiving does depend on our giving. Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

The old saying is true, "God will get it to you, when God can get it through you."

He blesses us to be a blessing!!

Read Mark 10:28-30 and pick a ministry to give a big faith seed offering(this should not be your tithe) to this Christmas and pray to God for a hundred fold return on your gift. When you receive the return be sure to bless others with your plenty.

Growing,
Shonn

Dream Big...

2007-12-03T16:57:00.000-08:00

Dream big dreams!! Little dreams do not need financial miracles. Dr. Murdock writes, "Some people consider mere survival success." God is much bigger than this and wants to do much more in us and through us than just help us survive. God wants to change the world in us and through us.

When our dreams grow our need grows. When our need grows our faith in God must grow. Because, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6

Dream big dreams and expect God to work in you and through you. Expect Him to bring the resources to you needed to make the dream become a reality.

PUSH! Pray until something happens! And then dream even bigger dreams and expect more blessing to see those dreams become a reality.

Blessings,
Shonn

Money, money, money...

2007-12-01T09:31:00.001-08:00

Well it's time to begin our study on money... I will be sharing over the next month some nuggets from a book entitled, 31 Reasons People Do Not Receive Their Financial Harvest. I must confess the book has challenged my conservative thinking in a positive way. I hope you will take what I share, pray and ask God to speak to you in your own journey.

In chapter one Dr. Mike Murdock makes it clear that many are not blessed financially because they do not believe God wants them to prosper. He indicates this is because people do not really understand God. "Nobody is more misundestood than God." Because of this, I am going to list some verses he uses to help explain God's thoughts on finances and prosperity.

Enjoy!

1. God owns it all. He is not poor. "The silver is mine and the gold is mine," declares the LORD Almighty. Haggai 2:8

2. God delights in the prosperity of His people. "Let the Lord be magnified, who delights in the prosperity of his servant." Psalm 35:27

PLEASE UNDERSTAND PROSPERITY MEANS HAVING ENOUGH OF DIVINE PROVISION TO COMPLETE A DIVINE ASSIGNMENT.

God promises prosperity when we use our finances to:

1. Tithe. "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse..." Malachi 3:10. He puts a promise with this command. "...I will throw open the windows of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10

2. Send the Gospel around the world. "And how can they preach unless they are sent?" Romans 10:15 The apostle Paul wrote to the church of Philippi after having been blessed through a love gift from them that enable him to continue to carry the Gospel to other places the following. "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

3. Pay our bills. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

4. Give good and uncommon gifts to your children. "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will our Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

5. Help the poor. "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17

6. Resolve emergencies and crisis when they happen. "...money is the answer for everything." Ecclesiastes 10:19

WHEN WE ARE FAITHFUL IN OUR MONEY MANAGEMENT AND USE OUR FINANCES FOR THE ABOVE THINGS, GOD PROMISES TO BLESS US!

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." Matthew 25:23

This is certainly not an exhaustive study; however, I will continue to share with you some tidbits as God shows me through my own reading.

Blessings,
Shonn

Hannah Montana

2007-11-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are celebrating Brelin's birthday at the Hannah Montana and Jonas
Brothers concert. The girls are pumped and ready to go and it is only noon. I must confess, I am pretty excited about the concert too! We have seen bits and pieces of it online and it looks like it is going to be an awesome show.

Don't forget to check back in a couple of days as I will be sharing thoughts from a new study through the month of December.

Blessings,
Shonn

Yes, I cheated...

2007-11-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was awesome! We enjoyed a great time with both sides of our family.
We ate lunch with the Powell's and supper at the Keels' home. It was great. There was more food than we needed; but, I must confess the best part was just sitting around and spending time with our families. We had a blast talking about old times and enjoying each other's stories.

We have so much to be thankful for. God has been so good to our families. He always gives us more than we deserve. I am also thankful that He never gives us what we really deserve. Yes, His grace and mercy endure forever!!

Oh yea! I forgot to mention, I cheated! And I enjoyed every minute of it. Believe it or not the highlight of my cheating was 3 can cokes, ice cold can cokes and a big old honkin' piece of pecan pie just before going to bed. No, seriously, I stayed on my eating plan for most of the day. But, I knocked it out of the park just before bed with cokes and pie!!!

We'll be on the road for a few days; but, when we return I am going to be sharing thoughts each day from my devotional study in the month of December. Please pray for God to grow me through this study. I hope you and I will both benefit from it.

Blessings,
Shonn

I can't wait to cheat...

2007-11-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

It is crazy how much I am looking forward to cheating. Cheating? Let me explain...

I have been on a pretty strict eating plan lately patterned after Bill Philipps, "Body 4 Life". I have been eating extremely clean six times a day for almost six weeks now. The program allows for one cheat day every seven days. I have been so strict that most of my cheat days have consisted of my cheating only one meal that day. NOT SO THIS THANKSGIVING!! I have been saving up. I am going to eat whatever I want all day and night this Thursday. I can't wait to cheat!! And I am truly thankful this year for Thanksgiving!

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! May God give you an incredible time with your family and friends on this special day. And may we all remember to give Him thanks for all of His goodness and how He has made His love available to us through faith in His Son Jesus!

Blessings,
Shonn

Promises, promises...

2007-11-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had any body make a promise to you and then let you down? I have, more than I would like to admit. And, if I am being honest, I have made promises that I did not keep either. In our humanity, we may have the best intentions sometimes; but, still fail to keep our word. Not so, with God!

I was reminded in my devotional time this morning that God always keeps His promises. He never fails to keep His Word! He cannot fail! He is God!

My struggling is not believing God will see His Word through and keep His promises. My struggle is timing. God's timing is not always my timing. Mostly, in my book, God is late. Please do not read this wrong. God is never late. His timing is perfect and I know this to be true! However, at times, I am not patient and I want His promises fulfilled NOW.

If you are waiting on God to fulfill a promise to you and it doesn't seem to be happening fast enough. Do not give up on the promise. Do not give up on God. Believe the promise to be fulfilled and begin to thank Him for His perfect timing.

God never fails to keep His Word!

Blessings,
Shonn

New Direction...

2007-11-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

Bonnie and I have sensed God is calling us to start our own ministry. We will still be traveling with Team Impact, which consists of 30 to 35 weeks a year; but, we do not want to just sit home the other 20 or so weeks. Instead, we are working diligently to establish our non-profit status and to fill much of the other 20 weeks a year with retreats, revivals, crusades and other speaking engagements.

Please pray for us. This new direction is exciting and scary at the same time. There is much work to be done to get things in order so we can be "official" by the new year. We will soon be working on a website and a few other details and will be sure to keep you informed.

Thank you for your prayers and support. You all are awesome!

It will take some serious finances to get the ministry up and running. If you want to contribute to our new effort, all gifts will soon be tax-deductible and at the end of each calendar year we will send out the necessary paper work for you to get a deduction on your taxes. All gifts can be mailed to 8001 Baylight Court, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579.

Thank you and bless you,
Shonn and the family

Sowing into the Kingdom...

2007-11-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

God made it clear in Scripture that we reap what we sow. Lately, my family has been studying Biblical stewardship and how sowing and reaping affect our finances. Below is a Scripture we have been studying lately. Read and pray through it and let God speak directely to you about the sowing and reaping principle found throughout His Word.

Mark 10:28-30
Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.

One of the things that stood out to us in our study of this passage was Jesus' reply to Peter's statement: "no one ... will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age...". It is clear, Jesus is promising to bless those who give to Kingdom efforts. He is very specific with His words. He promises a great return on our Kingdom investments.

We have come to the conclusion, there is no greater investment we can make than to invest into Kingdom work!

From an agricultural context to reap a harvest one must sow into fertile soil. Pray and ask God to lead you to fertile soil and then sow into it with your time, energy and resources and watch God bless your socks off! Remember, according to Malachi chapter 3, finances is the only area in which God says we are permitted to test Him!!

Test Him! I guarantee you cannot out give Him!!

Blessings,
Shonn

I choose joy...

2007-11-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

Early on in my walk with Christ, I remember one of my mentors singing the words, "I choose joy". I thought then and continue to think the aforementioned declaration is profound. We have a choice in how we handle life. We can move through it in the midst of good times and bad with joy if we choose or we can simply move through it. Yes, we have the power of choice. We can choose to endure life or enjoy it!

Yes, Shonn, I hear you; but, you do not understand. Life is just not fair! To this, I say, you are correct. We do not deserve any goodness we receive. Even the fact we are still living is an example of God's amazing grace. When we truly understand who God is and who we are we cannot help but to realize because of our sin and His righteousness we do not deserve anything good; but, He chooses to bless us in so many ways!

CHOOSE JOY!
Shonn

Time ...

2007-10-31T05:31:00.000-07:00

How much time do we have here on earth? We may live to be 50, 60, 70 or we may live to be 100. When we really sit and think about it 100 years is not that long in light of eternity. So, what will we do with our time?

Last night, I was talking with a friend who is knee deep in local church ministry. We were sharing with each other what God is doing in and through our lives today. He made a statement that really resonated with my spirit. He said, "I want to do what I can for as long as I can to influence as many as I can for the Kingdom." Wow! How about that!?!

What are you doing with your time? Are you spending it on today or investing it in eternity?

God loves you and so do we,
Shonn

5 States in one day...

2007-10-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

My family and I have just returned from an incredible crusade in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. It was awesome! We witnessed over 300 people make decisions to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. The girls helped me lead in the Sunday morning service. The led a kid moment at the Community Christian Center and then I delivered the message.

We traveled through 5 different states in one day: SC, NC, Va, W. Va, and Oh. It was incredible. Most of our travel was along I-77. We saw many beautiful different colors as the trees in the mountains were changing for the fall. God is way awesome! His beauty was certainly reflected in the unbelievable sights we saw in the trees, the hills, the mountains and the valleys. Crossing the Ohio river was also pretty cool!

Thank you for your prayers and support. Our transition from local church ministry to ministry on the road has been smooth so far; however, we are still adjusting. Please continue to pray as we are laying the ground work for starting our own ministry of evangelism. We will still be with Team Impact. However, full-time with TI is about 35 or so weeks a year. We are believing God to fill the rest of these weeks each year with opportunities for us as a family to do ministry. I will write more about this soon as God gives us clarity!

Thanks again and may God continue to bless you all!
Shonn

Grace and Mercy

2007-10-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight our family reviewed the definitions of grace and mercy and how they apply to our lives. These two words are powerful and we literally would be lost and in trouble without the reality of these two words.

What is grace? Grace is unmerited favor. Grace is when God gives us what we do not deserve. Grace is Gods.Riches.At.Christ's.Expense. Grace is what we need everyday and all day. Where would we be without grace? We would be lost and in trouble!

What is mercy? Mercy is when God does not give us what we really deserve. By nature we are all sinful. We are selfish. Because of this, we all deserve God's wrath. The good news is God chose to extend His mercy to all who would receive it through faith in Jesus Christ. Through Christ we do not have to fear God's wrath. On the cross Jesus took our wrath and paid for our sin. Thank you Jesus! Because of the cross, we can receive God's mercy!

Blessings to you and your family,
Shonn

Is that really leadership???

2007-10-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a leader get really angry and question his leadership because of his anger?

The family and I were doing our devotion last night. We have recently started studying the life of Moses, one of God's anointed and appointed leaders of God's people early on in the Old Testament. Last night we studied what happened with God's people while Moses was meeting with God on top of the Mountain receiving the 10 commandments.

After receiving the "Big 10" from the very fingertips of God on two stone tablets Moses descended the mountain only to find God's people worshiping a golden calf. This really ticked Moses off so bad that he threw the very tablets given to him by God on the ground in anger as he chastised God's people. Interestingly enough, God punished the nation for their disobedience but was not mad at Moses for his anger. Rather, he gives him another set of tablets to replace the broken ones.

We certainly need to operate with discipline, but when God's people are lazy, self-consumed and disobedient it should really move us to take action for the good of the Kingdom.

Blessings,
Shonn

Wow!!!

2007-10-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! God blew our minds again, as usual. Our first official "RV" trip was to Lexington, South Carolina for a crusade at Northside Baptist Church. It was awesome. We witnessed over 400 decisions for Christ with 65 baptisms. It was a very fruitful time!

We enjoyed being together and sharing Christ with so many. The staff and ministry leaders at Northside were incredible. We would definitely join their team if we lived in the West Columbia area.

We are home for a brief spell and then off to Upper Sandusky, Ohio. We have heard it gets pretty cold up there. Pray for a fruitful trip, a safe journey and pleasant weather.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support of our ministry.

God loves you and so do we!
Shonn and the family

On the road again...

2007-10-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

We are officially headed out together on our first crusade in Duncan our new RV. We are going to West Columbia, SC and will be ministering with the people of Northside Baptist Church. Please pray for us it will be our first of many adventures.

We will update you soon on what God is doing in and through our new ministry.

Blessings,
Shonn

For God so loved the world...

2007-10-04T15:25:00.001-07:00

I just got back from Texas last night. Wow, it was hot in Texas! While I was in there I was reminded how much God loves the world and how He wants us to reach as many people as possible across the street and around the world. God cares so much about our neighbors and the nations. He really loves them and wants us to do all we can to win them to Christ.

I have a unique opportunity coming up this weekend. I will be proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ at a rodeo in Illinois. Yes, a rodeo! I am wearing cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. I will be speaking to about 3,000 cowboys and cowgirls; in which, many do not know the Lord. Please pray for God to use me and for many to be saved.

I met a Bishop from Nigeria who is praying for us to come there to preach to many of the unreached peoples in his area. Pray also, for God to open a door for Team Impact to invade this country with the Gospel.

Thank you for your prayers. I look forward to writing more soon.

Blessings,
Shonn

Manning...

2007-10-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday a couple of guys joined me at our Manning campus for a one night Team Impact crusade. We spoke in seven schools on Friday, spoke to the Football team and stood on the sidelines at the game on Friday night. On Saturday, we held the crusade in the Manning High School gymnasium and had right at 400 people attend with over 100 of them responding to the invitation to recieve Christ. It was awesome!

Jim Fleming and his team in Manning are doing a tremendous job!

Please continue to pray. Soon we are headed to Dallas and then to Ohio. In between all of this we are going to celebrate Baylee's tenth birthday. I cannot believe she is reaching double digits this year. I am so proud of her. She is an amazing young lady and I am proud to be her dad!

Blessings,
Shonn

Prayer...

2007-09-27T06:24:00.001-07:00

My family and I started reading through Colossians together last night. Of course, we started in chapter one reading just the first eight verses. After reading we discussed how Paul's letters have a common theme flowing through them helping us better understand his belief in the power of prayer.

Take a moment and read through the above verses in your Bible and notice how Paul prayed for the Colossians and notice the content of his prayers. Paul thanked God for the character traits of the Colossians that defined their faith. He, by doing so, encouraged them all the more to remain true to their calling in Christ by living a godly life.

How do we pray for each other? How do you pray? I am asking myself the same question? How do I pray? What is the content of our prayers?

Consider Paul's prayer for the Colossian church and let's begin to pray for each other in that manner: that God would increase our faith in Him and increase our love for each other. We should regularly thank God for the hope we have in Him and for the power and courage to share this hope with those across the street and around the world.

Cheering You On,
Shonn

youtube...

2007-09-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Blogger Nation,

My girls and I are doing the video blog thing on my new youtube account. The address is youtube.com/shonnkeels. Check it out it is pretty cool. We will strive to add new videos every week to update you of our travels and new ministry with Team Impact.

Please pray for this weekend. I will be traveling to Carolina Forest Community Church @Manning and doing 7 school assemblies on Friday. I will also be speaking to the football team on Friday night and doing a big evangelistic rally on Saturday night in the Manning High School gymnasium. This is my old high school and home town. I hope to see many come to faith in Christ.

Making Him Known,
Shonn

The Next Chapter...

2007-09-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

The last chapter of our life has been an incredible chapter. We have thanked the Lord many times for almost nine years of fruitful ministry and blessed relationships.

Thank you Carolina Forest Community Church. Only in Heaven will we truly know the impact we had together in and through the Forest locally and globally. God was good to us.

He will still be faithful. The good news is God does not change. He is the same today as He was yesterday and He will be the same tomorrow. Yes, He will be faithful.

The future is bright for the Keels' family and the future is bright for CFCC. We can be sure God will bless our steps as long as we put Him first.

We started our home schooling schedule today. And yes, I am helping out. I am responsible for teaching Bible to both of our girls and I am helping Baylee with math. Yes, I said math. Please understand my best friend is the teacher's manual.

Here is our memory verse for the week, "The LORD does what is right and fair for all who are opressed." Psalm 103:6

God loves you and so do we,
Shonn and the family

Hearing God's Voice...

2007-09-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

How do you know if you are really hearing God's voice?

This is a question I have been asked by many on multiple occasions and that I have often asked myself. Well, what's the answer? How do you know if you are really hearing God's voice?

The process I use is like that of Gideon found in the early chapters of Judges. I talk to God when I sense He is leading me in another direction. When I am at a crossroad and sense Him telling me which way to turn I talk to Him for some time to ensure I am really hearing His voice. I then metaphorically speaking throw out my fleece. My fleece is different depending on the context of what surrounds God's leading at the time. However, as a husband I always involve my wife in the process of discerning God's will. I do not believe God calls a husband to a certain work unless the wife is in full support of the new direction. I also consult a few Godly men who believe in the work God is doing in me and who will pray for me. The bigger the decision the more time I usually take to discern the Lord's voice. I also spend some time away from the busy schedule I normally keep. Quietness is a great back drop for the voice of the Lord to be heard.

Wherever you are in your journey remember to pray regularly and when you sense God leading you in a new direction pray some more and consult the wisdom of a few (not too many) Godly individuals who will pray for you as you seek God's best for your life. When you believe you have truly heard from the Lord move forward with confidence.

Cheering you on,
Shonn

Change...

2007-09-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

How do you handle change? What do you do when things around you that are not in your control change? Do you worry? Do you pray? Do you pray and worry?

Life is funny sometimes, just when we think we've got something all figured out "bam" it changes. Then what should we do? You know the answer and so do I. We are not to be anxious about anything; but, through prayer and supplications we are to present our requests to God as the apostle Paul teaches us in Philippians. Matthew the Gospel writer recorded Jesus' instruction concerning the uncertainties in this life, "Do not worry..." He says.

Worry does not change anything except our mental, relational and spiritual health. Worry makes us sick, brings distress into our relationships and drives a wedge between us and God. So, why do we do it? The answer is in my previous blog. We like to control things. When we can't we worry.

I am probably writing this more for me than I am for you; but, let's remember the great theological lesson we all learned from Bobby McFerrin, "Don't worry be happy man".

Hakunna Mattata,
Shonn

PS Until next time may God's favor rest on you as you serve Him.

It's not mine...

2007-08-27T05:27:00.000-07:00

I am a pretty independent person who often struggles with control issues. That's right I am sometimes a CONTROL FREAK! However, God continues to steadily chip away at my heart consistently forming and fashioning it into the heart of the leader He has prepared me to be. As you may well know, this presents a struggle at times. That's right a struggle.

God wants us to be totally dependant on Him. I would like to say this reality for me; but, honestly I often struggle with wanting to take control of my own life. Surrender is the answer. I am being reminded that when we completely surrender God then steps in and directs our steps. He is such a great God. He never forces His will on us. He affords us the opportunity to choose to respond to His leading.

Pray for me and I'll be praying for you. Pray we will all depend on Him with everything. Pray we will be faithful to daily and throughout the day to surrender to Him in all things: our time, our energy and our resources. After all we would have none of this without Him. He is the giver of our time, energy and resources.

Thanks for checking in, until next time may God grant you favor as you serve Him.

Blessings,
Shonn

I'm Back...

2007-08-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been offline for a little while. My family and I traveled with Team-Impact to Blackshear Place Baptist Church in Flowery Branch, Ga last week for a crusade. It was awesome!

We had some great family time. We played games in the van as we traveled and jammed along the way with the Jonas Brothers. We also ate often. Traveling together is always fun. (They really love my driving!!)

The crusade was powerful. Over 300 people received Christ and almost 100 followed through with believers baptisms. We were able to visit with old friends ( I was the youth pastor there in 96-98). The church has grown tremendously and the people are hungry for evangelism. They really want to reach their world for Christ. It was exciting!

I also met Lex Luger, the total package! He is now a fully devoted follower of Christ. How cool is that?

God is doing a new think in our midst. I can't wait to write more later.

Blessings,
Shonn

Nick at Nite...

2007-08-15T03:41:00.001-07:00

Missions at our Manning campus is going great. We reached as much on our first night this year as we did on our best night last year. God is doing a great thing in Manning.

I served in the background in Manning and got to observe many others who were serving out front in ministry. It is a joy to see so many in our church stepping up and using their gifts to serve our Lord. I'm talking about adults and children. I think we have more than twenty-five children who are serving this week alongside twenty or more adults. It is awesome to see the Lord at work!

I used to read books from Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois and think if we could just be like them and get people fired up to use their gifts for the Lord. Now that I see so many serving, I often think someone should write a book about our people. They are truly getting it. Many are giving their lives away in service to our Lord.

Way to go gang! You all rock!!

Blessings,
Shonn

Different Places...

2007-08-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

This week I have had the privilege of meeting with a couple of different guys who finally get it. The light has been turned on for them. Their spiritual eyes have been opened and their lives have taken on new purpose. They do not know each other; yet, their stories are similar and their parallel paths have led them to Jesus. While this is great for them and their families, their journeys do not represent the majority of those in the world today.

Last night at midnight I received a call from someone who is in a very different place in life. His pathway was far from hope and purpose. His life is filled with pain, hurt, anger, bitterness and uncertainty. He has lost very close to him with the same cancer that he now has. He believes he has been betrayed by one of his best friends. He is hurting and just needed someone to listen.

This week has reminded me that people are at different places in life and God wants to use us to help reach and grow people right where they are in their journey. We are to help those that are discovering who God is for the first time take their next steps. We are to do all we can to help them grow and become mature in Christ. We are also to reach out to those that are far from God. We must lovingly invade their lives welcoming them with all of their hurts and baggage. We must love them to Jesus.

The task before us is great and it is not easy; but, it is right! It can be accomplished with God's help. Pray daily for wisdom, strength, and guidance. Let's all ask God to help us maximize our redemptive potential and be the church He has called us to be.

Blessings,
Shonn

Character...

2007-08-08T00:13:00.000-07:00

What is character? I remember reading several years ago in one of Bill Hybels books a definition for character that has stood out above all, "Who you are when no one else is looking." Who are you when no one else is looking.

My recent study has caused me to research the meaning of grace. Grace by definition is unmerited favor. Favor from God that we do not deserve. Grace and character seem to coexist. Our character, who we are when no one else is looking, reflects the undeniable truth that we need grace. Yes, all of us! When we consider the righteousness and holiness of God even our best falls short of His perfect standard. Our "impeccable character" is not so impeccable in light of who God really is. And there is GRACE! Thank you God for your grace.

Do we live selfishly because of grace. No, there is grace because we are selfish. Do we live for ourselves because there is grace. No, there is grace because we live for ourselves.

Without grace we would have no hope. Grace frees us to experience God's unconditional love and become the person God has designed us to become.

In His grace, may He grow us in our character.

Blessings,
Shonn

Don't quit...

2007-08-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

I am not sure who needs this; but, please do not quit! Nothing good comes in life without perseverance. The Scripture makes it clear, we are to persevere. We are not to give up. We are not to quit. Many people stop just short of reaching their goals and fulfilling their potential.

Life is tough. We all face obstacles. Some obstacles are bigger than others. Some challenges hurt and cause much pain. However, if we push in them and through them we will grow from them. Whatever you do, if you are living out God's purpose for your life, do not give up. Do not give up on your marriage, your goals, your children, your family members, your neighbors, your investments, your business, your dreams, etc... Change your attitude and believe God for success in every area of your life.

If you choose to persevere, you will find the strength you need in prayer. God wants you to grow and reach your full potential. He offers you and me the strength we need in our times of prayer. His desire is to meet with us, to hear from us and to give us what we need to maximize your potential in every area of our life. PRAY, PRAY and PRAY.

P.U.S.H. (pray until something happens)

Blessings,
Shonn

Enjoy the Journey...

2007-07-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

The worship through song experience this weekend was powerful! Way to go team.

Often times when I travel I am so focused on getting to my destination I fail to enjoy the journey. Sometimes while driving I will even miss a turn along the way because I often have tunnel vision. In life, this also happens if I am not careful. I can get so focused on the ultimate goal I believe God has for me that I foreget to enjoy the process. I can get so focused that I miss opportunities along the way.

I am being challenged to find balance in my life and leadership. I must remain focused; but, I must also learn to enjoy the process more. It is often in the process where we see and experience the greatest life change.

Press on toward your goals, remain focused; but, enjoy the process.

Blessings,
Shonn

Vision...

2007-07-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

This morning in the gym I was reminded why we do what we do the way we do it as a church. Let me explain. My workout partner introduced me to a business leader in town who loves rock music. As we were talking I shared with the rock star that this weekend we are doing a Jack Johnson song and an old Stevie Nicks song. He was amazed! He then mentioned something about his son coming to Myrtle Beach just recently and noticing the nude dance clubs and wanting to go. I said then he would love our church. He looked at me with a weird stare but inquired as to why his son would like our church. I then shared with him that we were beginning a series entitled, "Girls Gone Wild". He said that he was at the printer the other day and saw our bulletins and thought wow that must be a cool church. He did not commit to coming yet but God used our style to open up a healthy conversation about Jesus.

I feel like the apostle Paul must have felt in his ministry in Corinth (1 Corinthians 9:22). Please pray for my new rock star friend. Pray that God will soften his heart for the Gospel. Pray also for God to use our ministry style to draw the rock star and all he influences to the Forest to hear the Gospel in a safe place.

Thank you for believing in the work in Forest! I pray God will use you today to reach out to someone like my new friend. May He give you the same love and compassion for the lost that Jesus demonstrated when He encountered the sinful woman in Simon the Pharisee's home.

Blessings,
Shonn

Time is ticking away...

2007-07-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

Just over a decade ago DC Talk, a Christian rock group, was climbing the charts. In the lyrics to one of their hit songs was the following statement, "time is ticking away, tick, tick, ticking away." This evening my wife and I were watching CSI together and heard the following quote, "Life is short!"

How true are the above statements? In the book of James we are reminded that our "life is but a vapor". James goes on to write that we are "here today but gone tomorrow." Think about it for a moment, if we were to live 100 years here on this earth in light of eternity it would still be a vapor.

Tim McGraw, when writing about his father's perspective on his final stages of life, wrote in his hit song "Sky Diving", we should love deeper, speak sweeter and give forgiveness that we have been denying. We should live like we were dying.

When we truly consider that our time on earth is brief we are challenged to consider the more important things in life like: relationships! After all isn't this how Jesus summed up the whole Bible when he said the greatest commandments were to love God and to love others.

God, please help us all to live each day as if it were our last and to invest our time, energy and resources into loving You through loving others. In Jesus name, Amen.

Blessings,
Shonn

Burdened...

2007-07-19T04:45:00.000-07:00

I am currently studying through the book of Nehemiah in my personal study time. I have been moved by Nehemiah's passion for God's people. He possessed and undeniable burden.

In the beginning of the book we see Nehemiah asking about the condition of God's people that survived the exile and of Jerusalem. Notice his response in verse 4 of chapter 1 as he received the news of Jerusalem's destruction and the disgrace and trouble of the Jewish remnant. "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven."

Nehemiah was burdened over the shape of God's people and their promised place on earth. This burdened turned Him to God. His time with God impregnated Him with passion and direction. He then became an ustoppable force in his world and revived the Jewish nation and their home.

Nehemiah's burden for God's people and their place in the world must become our burden in the context of the 21st century. We must develop a greater burden for the Church of Jesus Christ in this increasingly growing pagan world we live in today. The destuction of the families around us, the shape of our current educational systems, the paganistic practices of many around us, the denial of the existence of God, and all of the other things that fight against the work of the Church in the world should move us to the actions of Nehemiah. We must fast, pray and take action.

What does action look like? Ask God while you fast and pray. In short, that if we all just loved our neighbor as Jesus commanded it would certainly help us build the Kingdom of God here on eath as it is in heaven. If we just served those around us we could advance the cause of Christ and build His Church.

Blessings,
Shonn

Where does your money go...

2007-07-18T04:51:00.000-07:00

In my study lately I have really been challenged to answer the question, "Where does my money go?" Now, I am not talking about the tithe. The Scripture is clear, ten percent of our income goes to the local church to support the work of the Kingdom. This command is found both in the Old and New Testaments (Malachi 3:6-12 and Matthew 23:23). No, I am talking about the other ninety percent. Where does it go? Are we being good stewards?

Where did this come from? Well, since you asked, a book I read while on vacation "33 Laws of Stewardship" has challenged me to look through Jesus' teaching and examine what he says about the management of money. Just this morning I was reaading the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. While reading and meditating over it I was reminded that Jesus really is serious about how we handle our money considering it is not ours in the first place. That's right no matter how hard we work or how much we earn it really all comes from God. Even our salaries are a gift from God (Haggai 2:8).

Take a few minutes and read the passage in Matthew. How did God speak to you through the parable? God is teaching me much through my study of stewardship. The top two things are: God is concerned about how we manage money and how we handle our money says much about our faith.

Blessings,
Shonn

Coming to America...

2007-07-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is great to be home. We had an amazing and fruitful time in the Ukraine; but, there is no place like home. When we stepped off of the plane in MB we immediately recognized the humidity, the ocean breeze, the sound of the English language and a host of other small things that reminded us we were home. We even noticed it smelled like home. When we entered the airport the airconditioning reminded us how spoiled we really are here in America. Of course, the greatest gift of being home was our excited families waiting for us by the security gate. There smiling faces, warm hugs, soft kisses and words of kindness and affirmation certainly made for a great homecoming.

If you have never traveled abroad, please hear this: We are a blessed nation! God has been so good to America. We did not choose our Nationality. God truly blessed us to live in this country and continues to bless us as Americans. We must not overlook this fact. We must honor God in our homes and pray for those around us lest this blessing be removed.

I did not mean to start preaching. I just wanted to say it is good to be home and I cannot wait to see you all again soon. This weekend we will be looking at the life of Jonah from the Old Testament. Pray for me as I study. Pray I will deliver on Sunday as God intends and that we will all be open to receive a fresh word from Him. Until then keep your head up and your eyes on Him.

Blessings,
Shonn

The Ukraine

2007-07-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

I am in the Ukraine serving with a team of sixteen at a camp with about 200 kids. We are having a blast and learning a lot. The kids are reminding us how much we all desire to be loved and accepted. The kids just want to be near us even though at times without a translator we can't communicate with words they still want to be close.

Being here reminds me of the truth found Romans 5:8, we all want to be loved and accepted. I am thankful that God loves us even though we can be unlovable. I have been challenged again to love all the way God loves us.

The team is doing a great job. I am privileged to travel with such good company. They are serving each other and those in the Ukraine faithfully.

Pray for me. I miss my wife and youngest daughter. I am thankful our oldest is on the trip with me. What a joy, watching her serve and serving alongside her.

Blessings,
Shonn

Stinking Thinking...

2007-07-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

I am fully being challenged to get rid of all stinking thinking. Our mind is the gateway to our actions. We must think positive thoughts to get positive results. Many people who live without grew up without and have learned how to live without and mentally accepted they will always be without. Others are sick because they can never see themselves healthy. All over America people are suffering from the pandemic of obesity and most of these people have accepted it and will die early or suffer many sicknesses as a result of their obesity.

If these challenges and others are to turn around in our lives we must first win the battle in our minds and learn how to think positively. The apostle Paul teaches how important this battle in the mind is in Romans 12:2. We need to change our pattern of thinking and begin to see ourselves healthy, joyful and blessed.

I am learning the best way to change the way we think is to change what we put in our minds. If we want to gain physical health we need to learn from those who eat healthy and take care of their bodies. If we want financial blessings we need to learn from those who are blessed financially. If we want to overcome any other challenges in our lives we must learn from those who have overcome these challenges. Of course, we must seek God's guidance along the way. And trust me, God does have our best interest at heart.

There is a country song that says, "Life is a dance you learn as you go...". The problem is many of us have learned the wrong steps along the way and are dancing to the wrong tune.

Consider this challeng: What area in your life needs the greatest help? Now that you've answered this question, ask God to guide you to someone who can help you begin to think differently in this area and develop some actions steps to help you grow. Then give them permisison to coach you and hold you accountable.

Blessings to you as you rid yourself of stinking thinking!

Shonn

It is all about Jesus...

2007-07-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

This morning I was preparing for our staff devotional time and felt like I should challenge us all to the basics of our faith. This one statement kept popping up in my head while I was getting ready, "Growing people grow people."

If we are going to truly grow we must be diligent with some basic spiritual disciplines. These disciplines are designed to draw us closer to God. These disciplines remind us daily that it is all about Jesus.

The direction of the study was confirmed as soon as I started my blazer. The dial on the radio is set on KLOVE and this morning the first song I heard was, "The Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman. In it he sings over and over again, "It is all about You Jesus." Really life is all about Him. We are here on planet earth to "Know Him and to make Him Known." We are to invest our time, energy and resources into getting to know Him better and helping others do the same. This is what being the Church is all about.

Here are a few disciplines that will help us grow and position us to grow others:
1. Prayer: Mark 1:35, Psalm 5:1-3
2. Reach out to others(believers and non-believers): Acts 2:42-47, Philemon 1:6
3. Action: James 1:22
4. Yearn for God's Word: Joshua 1:8

The above Scriptures when put into practice will help us make Jesus the center of our focus. The daily practice of these disciplines will help provide us with what we need not just to survive the day but to soar through the day impacting those we influence for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Start working out today and get to know Him better and make Him known.

Blessings,
Shonn

An Enemy Called Average...

2007-07-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

I love this book. John Mason has written a great book filled with leadership principles designed to help us maximize our leadership potential. This week as I was beginning my leadership study I thumbed through last week's reading and was reminded of a an important principle: a goal is a dream with a deadline. Often I have great ideas that never come to pass. It is because I did not write them down. A pastor of mine once said, "If it ain't written down, it ain't gettin' done."

I am once again writing down things that are important and giving them a deadline. This is allowing me to be more focused with my mission in life. For example, I have been dreaming for sometime about starting our second video campus. Just recently I wrote this down as a goal. I then sent a copy of this goal to our staff and elders. I know they are expecting me to follow through with this goal. Therefore, I am taking steps and meeting with people in order to make this dream a reality. Of course, all of this is bathed with prayer. Writing it down and making it known is great accountability.

Blessings,
Shonn